Chapter 113
Chapter 113
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: The Alchemist in the Corner
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Immediately after the 71st-floor conquest concluded,
Joo-hyuk met with Jeon Gwang-il and handed over the Necklace of Liberation Runes and the Ring of Transformation.
They were scheduled to be delivered to the French special envoy team through Gwang-il's hands.
The French government also faithfully fulfilled their part of the contract.
After all, climbing the 71st floor and handing the necklace and ring to the French government was the entirety of the original agreement.
Korean cultural assets, which had been pre-packaged and waiting at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport, departed for Incheon Airport via transport aircraft.
Over 900 ancient books and artworks, including the Jikji Simche Yojeol, the Uigwe documents, the Wang Ocheonchukguk Jeon, and paintings by Kim Hong-do,
would all become Joo-hyuk's personal collection. The contract explicitly stated so.
The method would be the state borrowing and displaying them in museums.
Since an individual owning national treasures could be problematic, it was decided that, on the surface, they would be returned to Korea.
This alone was more than enough to cover the cost of the building.
If only he could sell it.
The next day, Joo-hyuk used another multinational Tower entry ticket to enter the Tower.
Temporary naturalization?
He'd tried it once; that was enough.
At first, the novelty made him go around saying "Bonjour" and "Merci," playing around,
but it wasn't that fun.
The naturalization process was a hassle,
and he'd have to meet embassy people again.
Vice Director Jeon Gwang-il also seemed to prefer he didn't do temporary naturalization.
How much of a burden would it be for the Management Bureau?
The nation's top player doing temporary naturalization again?
He could just get more tickets as rewards.
Surprisingly, they dropped quite well.
He got one each from the Korean Black Tower's 71st and 3rd floors.
Was it because the reward probability had increased?
'If I'm really in a pinch, I can just take a break and collect pieces while I'm at it.'
French Black Tower, 72nd floor.
Mission rewards included a high-grade magic stone, weapon and equipment items, and several others.
What, did he come to get rewards?
He came to loot the treasure vaults.
The Super Monster Hydra and the Necromancer Norma weren't even a threat.
Not when faced with Gwang-ma, who was seriously intent on conquest.
The problem was the treasure vaults.
Really?
"Hoeck!" Razix, the Plunderer, raised both hands high. "Hurrah!!!"
"I am the Grand Cosmic Raider, Razix."
"Truly the number one divine feat in the martial world."
"Quartermaster, certain victory!"
72nd-floor Necromancer Dungeon treasure vault relocation complete.
Next,
73rd-floor Norton Kingdom treasure vault relocation also complete.
Fortunately,
the mass slaughter from the crescent boomerang wave riding in the 73rd-floor spectator stands did not occur.
He only killed the king.
It was Gwang-ma's consideration, keeping Joo-hyuk's mental health in mind.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Spot!
Joo-hyuk returned to the penthouse with his party.
A truly awe-inspiring Tower raider crew.
That measly 1.3 trillion?
One big score and it's back in no time.
"Are we destined to become thieves?"
"Lord Kosak has been a thief—no, a raider—since the old days."
"Compared to the Grand Cosmic Raider Razix, I am nothing."
"Hoeng!"
"Look at the face of the Grand Cosmic Raider, whose arrogance pierces the heavens. Indeed, if you're going to loot, you must loot big."
He felt slightly sorry for looting another country's Tower treasure vaults, but who else could have brought those treasures if not Razix?
Alright, let's quickly start the reward distribution.
Badge awarding ceremony.
He decided to distribute them one by one.
There was no need to hoard them.
Upgrading the Summoned Beings' skills was essentially upgrading Joo-hyuk himself.
This time, there were three targets for skill upgrades:
Kosak, Veronica, and Gwang-ma, each receiving five badges.
What skill did Kosak upgrade to LSSR grade?
Whoosh!
The five badges seeped into his body and disappeared.
"It's the Stealth skill upgrade. No one will be able to find me. Even Gwang-ma, sir, will have difficulty."
Slither...
Kosak vanished.
"Hoh! Remarkable. You are correct."
"Ehehehe,"
No presence could be felt.
Sound could be heard, but its direction was impossible to pinpoint.
"If Gobang wants to flick my forehead, he must find me first."
Tsk tsk.
Was it all just to avoid a forehead flick in the end?
He could just not do things that would get him flicked,
but it didn't seem to last very long.
Soon, slither..., Kosak reappeared.
Gwang-ma chuckled softly.
"It was premature; the duration is short."
"Isn't that natural? Using an LSSR skill at SRR grade feels like my crotch is being torn apart."
"At least you know your place."
"Yes, sir!"
What about Veronica?
"Sergeant Major Veronica Caliber, Magic Gun Marksmanship. Overall attack power increase, accuracy correction, and reduced ammunition consumption."
An efficient choice befitting Sergeant Major V,
A soldier should shoot well.
"I like it. There's no one but Sergeant Major V."
Veronica snapped her legs together! and raised her right hand sharply! in a salute.
"Certain victory!"
Jiggle!
Then, what about Gwang-ma?
It was a bit strange.
Kosak and Veronica absorbed the five badges into their bodies immediately, but Gwang-ma's remained as they were.
Why weren't Gwang-ma-nim's being absorbed?
Was LSSR grade different?
"One must have a skill to upgrade. I've already reached the pinnacle in all of mine."
What?
If you don't need them, why did you accept them?
There's no need to pin them on you.
"Still, don't take them away. Won't they be useful someday?"
Hmm.
What are you going to use them for?
A bit suspicious, isn't it?
Feels like there's something going on.
'Well, he's probably just wearing them for symbolic meaning.'
It's fine if it's Gwang-ma-nim.
Not a waste.
Now for the final remaining procedure,
Platinum Badges accumulated: 91.
The special perk confirmation remained.
"Honestly, I don't have any expectations anymore. They keep giving weird items."
Gwang-ma tilted his head.
"Hmm? What did you receive as the previous perk?"
"...Uh, it wasn't very good. Something like trash."
He couldn't reveal the Tower Stronghold Declaration Megaphone to Gwang-ma.
If he did, Gwang-ma would immediately suggest using it to seize other countries' Towers.
"Trash, I see. Whatever comes out this time probably won't be the same."
Gwang-ma wore a solemn expression.
"Now that the Necklace of Liberation Runes has been unlocked, the Tower's pranks will likely reach their peak."
No, even if you're going to prank, you should at least give something proper.
At this point, shouldn't it be time for a trait enhancement?
If they give another dice or megaphone this time, I'll flip the table for sure.
A new family member should be arriving too.
With a tense heart, Joo-hyuk opened his inventory to check the newly acquired badge.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Platinum Badge 90 cumulative count perk has been granted.]
"Please, Trait Enhancement!"
"Let it be Trait Enhancement."
"Trait Enhancement, please."
"We pray for the Master's successful acquisition."
"My Lord! May you seize Trait Enhancement."
"Hoe!"
[Perk: Trait...]
"Uwaaah, Traiiit Enhanccemeeeent...."
[Perk: Rune of Trait Addition has been granted to your Tower-exclusive inventory.]
"...Huh?"
Not Trait Enhancement, but Trait Addition.
He started to shout upon hearing the word "Trait" but stopped.
'...What is this now??'
An item he was seeing for the first time.
〈Rune of Trait Addition〉
Effect: Adds one more trait, evolving into a dual-trait system.
Limitation: The added trait is random. If the same trait appears, the existing trait is enhanced.
'Dual traits?'
It meant granting one more trait.
For example, if he randomly acquired a trait like [Swordsmanship], Joo-hyuk's status window would change to:
[Traits] : Summoning (Simultaneous Summons: 7) / Swordsmanship (Enhancement Stage 1)
Is that how it works?
'It's ambiguous.'
The limitation actually seemed better.
The limitation that if the same trait appears, the existing trait is enhanced.
If he's lucky, he might even achieve another trait enhancement...
"What came out?"
"A Rune of Trait Addition."
"Ah!"
"That thing?"
"Hmm."
The Summoned Beings' complexions weren't exactly good.
"Is this trash too?"
Gwang-ma answered as their representative.
"It's not bad. If a trait is added, skills will also increase, and the Summoner's power will grow accordingly."
True.
It's not about replacement or removal; it's an addition.
"However, of all times... now, when the Necklace of Liberation Runes is being unlocked... this could also be a prank."
Gwang-ma continued.
"There are a great many types of player traits. Among them, numerous traits exist that affect human emotions. If traits like [Berserker], [Bloodthirst], [Heavenly Killing Star], or [Monstrous Strength] are added?"
Ah!
He understood what he meant.
"Reason cannot overcome emotion. Are humans not emotional animals?"
What if Joo-hyuk used the Rune of Trait Addition and the randomly added trait was [Berserker]?
He would become a Summoner who went on a mad rampage.
The kind of Summoner who charged out first when a fight broke out.
Furthermore, he wouldn't be able to invest in trait enhancement.
If he had an enhancement rune, he should use it on the Summoning trait, why use it elsewhere?
"It's not a very necessary item, then."
"Precisely. It can be used as a pastime, but as I said earlier, if it's a prank, a strange trait could be added."
Whoever these bastards are, they've laid many traps.
Both in the Tower and in reality.
Right now, focusing on his main trait is more urgent.
What good is adding one more trait?
'Let's not use it right now.'
If the same trait appears and leads to enhancement, nothing could be better, but the probability is slim, and the risk is high. This also feels like another inventory-bound item following the megaphone.
'Tch, do I really need to draw a "Good" for the next perk??'
Anyway, he had checked everything.
He'd hand over the looted items to Vice Director Jeon Gwang-il for sales consignment and rest deeply.
Until the Random Summon cooldown reset.
Time passed quickly like that.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The landscape of global Tower conquest was changing.
The collapse deadline was no longer important.
To the land of milk and honey, the 71st floor.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
Secretary MacMillan and Director Antonio were also deeply troubled by this recent shift.
Originally, they planned to only raise the Eastern Tower to the 71st floor.
They judged that raising the Western Tower too high would be dangerous, as its collapse would be fatal.
Truly, the Western Tower was a headache.
What's so good about having multiple Towers?
There's no benefit whatsoever.
It just adds one more collapse time bomb.
The same goes for high-grade magic stone production.
It purely depends on the number of players and their activity level.
There is some benefit to having multiple Towers.
The four-type gift set received upon conquering the 71st floor.
Anyone who conquers it first receives it.
Currently, only Gerald can climb the Western Tower's 71st floor,
because the 60th-floor undead section blocks the way.
That place serves as a kind of defensive line.
Although the difficulty has dropped significantly compared to before, it's still no easy task for ordinary players to climb that section.
They can't just lend the Holy Sword to anyone,
but lately, the atmosphere was unusual.
Player activity was exploding.
Especially with the Korean Player Shop's full opening,
players worldwide visiting the Korean Awakening Management Bureau's Player Shop to buy items had become a trend.
The impact of item power-ups on players needs no explanation.
Players with enhanced abilities.
Some players even broke through the undead section using only Holy Water.
Because of this, the undead section's defensive line was crumbling.
A major threat for the U.S.
What if an uncontrolled player conquers the 71st floor?
"Where is Gerald?"
"Repeatedly conquering the 71st floor."
The Korean government had disseminated information worldwide.
They advised to just complete the basic missions on the 72nd and 73rd floors if possible, and absolutely not proceed if conditional conquests were attached,
explaining the detailed reasons.
For that reason, they were currently blocking Gerald's 72nd-floor ascent.
"Is he complying obediently?"
"Far from it. He's offended. Saying they're looking down on him too much."
Of course.
The Korean player conquered up to the 73rd floor with an S+++ rating,
"Hmm, in exchange, let's conquer the Western Tower up to the 71st floor. The White House approval has come through. Tell Gerald."
Director Antonio nodded and asked.
"What about the Holy Sword loan? Should we prepare to go to Korea?"
"No, this time, with Holy Water. We need to check if it's really possible without the actual Holy Sword."
"It should be possible. If there's enough Holy Water."
The U.S. government was also sensing a crisis.
The four-type gift set still remained on the Western Tower's 71st floor.
The U.S. government needed to secure it first before someone else snatched it.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Peaceful daily life continued.
He spent his time lazing around at home, and when he was bored, he went outside to laze around.
Occasionally, he entered the Korean Black Tower too.
Wondering if the treasure vaults had regenerated by any chance,
but while the conquest targets had all respawned, the treasure vaults had not.
The locations themselves had completely vanished.
He wasn't disappointed.
There were 145 Black Towers on Earth.
Another opportunity would come someday.
The high-quality items from the four treasure vaults Razix had looted
were selling at a terrifying speed.
Joo-hyuk's bank account grew abundant accordingly,
and was it only good for Joo-hyuk?
Players' abilities had improved by leaps and bounds.
Repeated conquests became safer, and un-conquered upper-floor climbs proceeded smoothly.
The UAE also purchased dozens of items from the Player Shop.
While they were at it, they borrowed the Holy Sword and conquered the 60th and 61st floors without Joo-hyuk's help.
Crown Prince Binsala had entrusted a gift for Joo-hyuk as a token of gratitude to Vice Director Jeon Gwang-il; he could receive it later.
With so many good things happening,
Joo-hyuk's penthouse was actually a sea of tears.
"Gobang-ssi, let's meet again in two weeks for sure."
"A warrior is the Summoner's shield. Wait a little. The Summoner is the reason and meaning for a warrior's life."
Aaah!
How could he hold back his tears?
Joo-hyuk slowly pinned badges on Gobang's chest. Until there were 25.
And placed a Summoned Being Grade Breakthrough Rune in his hand.
Now it was time for him to leave for his LSSR grade breakthrough.
Gyeon Dal-rae bowed her head, wiping tears with her sleeve, and Bardin tightly held Gobang's hand, unwilling to let go.
Veronica and Razix stood at attention, saluting to show respect to the departing Gobang.
Even Gwang-ma patted Gobang's shoulder.
Only Kosak wore a sullen expression.
"Anyone seeing this would think he wasn't coming back. Aren't we going to see him again in two weeks?"
"You're really cold. At least pretend to be sad."
Pushed by Joo-hyuk, he reluctantly said,
"C-Come back safely."
"I entrust the Summoner to you in my place."
"...Got it. Just trust me."
Despite his outward appearance, he must be worried about Gobang too.
Well then,
"Gobang, Summon Release."
Spot!
Gobang was gone too.
Forgetting the gloomy mood completely,
"Shall we welcome a new family member?"
The Random Summon cooldown had returned.
Let's summon quickly.
First, take out the ticket.
"I'm excited."
"I believe a good person will come."
That's right.
Riiip!
Joo-hyuk tore the ticket.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[You have used an LSSR Grade Guaranteed Summon Ticket.] [On the next Random Summon, an LSSR-grade Summoned Being is guaranteed to be summoned.]
"Random Summon!"
It began.
Whoooosh!
Clusters of light were appearing everywhere.
A colorful array of hues,
Instantly! Pop pop pop!
The light clusters vanished.
Did someone appear?
Where were they?
There was no one.
He rubbed his eyes and looked again, but still couldn't see anyone.
"Um, can a summon fail?"
"That cannot be. Who would dare refuse the Master's call?"
But what's this?
There's no one?
Right then!
"Hoe..."
Razix raised his short arm and pointed in one direction.
Then, someone came into view.
A person was crouching in the corner of the living room, head buried,
Their face wasn't visible.
Only their back could be seen.
Judging by the hairstyle and clothes, the gender seemed female, but...
📜 CATALOG ENTRY 📜
Socially Anxious, Room-Hermit, Loner Alchemist
📍 Name: Aliamari
⏰ Grade: LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare)
🎭 Type: Alchemist (Elf)
⏳ Manifestation Period: 3 hours
💖 Satisfaction Rating: None
🔄 Re-summon Cooldown: 6 hours (applied after Summon Release)
'...What on earth??'
An LSSR who's a hermit loner?
And an elf at that.
"Um..."
When Joo-hyuk spoke,
Flinch!
The person trembled,
and slid a piece of paper with writing on it across the living room floor.
Of course, in Korean.
This was written on the paper:
"I'm sorry. It's hard for me to answer. It's been too long since I've spoken with my mouth."
Hmm.
What to do?
So Joo-hyuk also wrote on a piece of paper.
Welcome, Aliamari-nim. It's good to have you here.
Slide,
He pushed it over.
Scribble scribble... Writing again, then slide.
"-I'll do my best. Please call me Mari."
Well, communication works. That's a relief at least.
She doesn't seem to have a severe personality disorder.
That aside,
Alchemist.
'A production class?'
And for some reason, he liked her.
Perhaps a sense of kinship?